St. Joseph of the Lakes

Next weekend we welcome Rev. Sanish Mathew who is our Archdiocesan assigned missionary preacher for this year. He will speak to us about the missionary needs of the diocese of Aitape in Papua, New Guinea.

Fr. Mathew serves at St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus parish in Premont, Texas. So he comes to us with familiarity about the United States because he has served here for a number of years. 

I thank you for your warm welcome to him and your generosity for the appeal that he makes to us.  

God Bless You,

Fr. Deziel

Catholic Diocese of Aitape, Papua New Guinea

The Catholic Diocese of Aitape, in Papua New Guinea, is home to 160,000 Catholics (75% of the population), distributed in 32 parishes. The Diocese covers an area of 13,117 km². It is a remote and underdeveloped region. The spiritual leadership is carried out by priests (19), a few religious nuns and brothers, and a committed team of lay pastoral leaders. The growth of the church has been accompanied by various challenges, logistic and economic problems, lack of personnel, long distances, and difficult communication routes that deprive the faithful of a regular sacramental life.

The Diocese of Aitape has few resources and infrastructure. Our parishes are poor, many of them are in the mountains and they have dilapidated facilities. Most of our Churches are semi-permanent buildings and in many communities Holy Mass is celebrated in chapels built with bush materials and thatched roof. It is urgent to renovate most of the existing facilities in the diocese. For the immediate need it is important to bring more missionaries. Many young men are willing to discern their vocation to diocesan priesthood, but the diocese does not have enough financial resources. The diocese runs health facilities, schools, vocational centres and a program for disabled persons. Funds are needed for various charitable, social and evangelization programs in the diocese.

We need your prayers and generosity to provide much needed relief for our people. We are called to give Jesus to others. As the people of the Eucharist, you too can be part of our humble efforts to give Jesus to our people. “Acts of love and kindness never die, but in the lives of others they multiply.” May God bless you abundantly and reward you richly for your generosity and love.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Most Rev. Siby Mathew Peedikayil HGN

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Aitape

Papua New Guinea